Ballet Caraïbes' History

Ballet Caraïbes, formerly known as The Dominica Children’s School of Dance, is the brainchild of Flora Leptak-Moreau. She founded the school in May 1985 in her homeland, Dominica—an island nestled between the French-speaking territories of Martinique and Guadeloupe. Flora’s vision was to introduce children to the art of dance, providing training opportunities for those with a passion for movement while also granting access to arts education for children who might not otherwise have had the chance to explore dance beyond the standard school curriculum.

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The school welcomed children as young as three years old, offering programs focused on rhythmic and creative expression to nurture their natural ability to move freely and confidently. Its curriculum included modern jazz, ballet, folk dance, and drama. Annual recitals and participation in national creative dance competitions gave students the opportunity to showcase their talents.

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Beyond competitions and recitals, the school produced annual dance productions, providing students with additional opportunities to perform in front of live audiences. These productions not only celebrated their technical growth in dance but also cultivated a range of transferable life skills, including:

• Self-confidence – Performing on stage fosters a sense of accomplishment and personal growth.

• Engagement in learning – The discipline required in dance translates to improved focus and dedication in academic settings.

• Memorization techniques – Learning choreography strengthens memory and cognitive abilities.

• Social skills – Students learn teamwork, cooperation, and how to communicate effectively with peers.

• Improved interaction and tolerance – Working in diverse groups teaches respect, patience, and cultural appreciation.

• Expressive language and creativity – Dance encourages non-verbal expression, storytelling, and artistic interpretation.

• Resilience and adaptability – Overcoming challenges in rehearsals and performances builds perseverance and problem-solving skills.

• Physical and mental discipline – Dance instills body awareness, coordination, and a strong work ethic that benefits all areas of life.
   

The core mission of the school—one that continues to guide Ballet Caraïbes today—is to:

• Develop an inclusive dance program that ensures all students can fully participate while gaining both enjoyment and education.

• Instill the essential qualities of a dancer and performer while fostering cognitive, psychomotor, affective, and social development.

• Expose children to traditional folk dance and ring games as part of preserving cultural heritage.

• Cultivate creativity, coordination, timing, rhythm, concentration, and listening skills that extend beyond dance into other areas of learning.

• Encourage a sense of unity, cooperation, and responsibility while fostering social interaction.

• Promote self-awareness from a spiritual, physical, and mental perspective, helping children build confidence and self-esteem.

"Our focus is on developing individual talent, confidence, self-awareness, and personality."